José M. Serrano's Press releases

(Albany, NY)- Senator Serrano was proud to support the NY SAFE Act, which passed the New York State Senate and was signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Currently, it is the most expansive gun control legislation in the country. This comprehensive legislation contains many gun-control measures that the Senator and the Democratic Conference have long advocated for.

(Albany, NY)- Senator José M. Serrano has been appointed Chair of the Senate Democratic Conference, by recently-elected Democratic Leader, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. As Chair of the Conference, Serrano will be responsible for presiding over conference meetings.

(New York, NY)- Senator Serrano participated in a press conference today regarding New York City’s Animal Care & Control (“AC&C”), a not-for-profit organization that runs the largest animal shelter system in the Northeast. Senator Serrano joined Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who recently released a report outlining concerns with the management and operation of the organization, to call for reform.

(New York, NY)-Senator Serrano celebrated Three Kings Day with El Museo del Barrio today at their 36th Annual Three Kings Day parade in the streets of East Harlem. The annual celebration brings together local families, school groups, community organizations, and elected officials from all over New York City.

Senator Serrano participated in an Upper West Side & Clinton Town Hall Meeting today hosted by Councilmember Gale Brewer. The meeting was an opportunity for Upper West Side attendees to interact with Elected Officials and representatives of New York City agencies in an effort to increase knowledge and transparency within Government.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for me to hear from some of my new constituents as I prepare to represent the Upper West Side for the first time in January,” said Senator Serrano. "It's important to cultivate a relationship between my office and the new areas that I represent. Hearing the concerns of residents and making sure they are aware of the services which my office provides is a great step towards doing that,” continued Serrano.

Senator Serrano participated in an Upper West Side & Clinton Town Hall Meeting today hosted by Councilmember Gail Brewer. The meeting was an opportunity for Upper West Side attendees to interact with Elected Officials and representatives of New York City agencies in an effort to increase knowledge and transparency within Government.

(New York, NY)- "I congratulate my friend, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins on her historic election to the role of Democratic Conference Leader in the New York State Senate. I was happy and honored to support her election and I look forward to working with her, as part of a united Democratic Conference, to tackle the numerous tasks at hand.

(Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano celebrated the accomplishments of USA Men's Olympic Gymnast and South Bronx native John Orozco in a proclamation ceremony hosted at Roberto Clemente State Park. The event included a video montage and guest speakers, including Assemblymember Vanessa L.Gibson.

Senator Serrano and the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) sponsored a Hurricane Sandy Relief event today in Howard Beach. More than 20 volunteers joined together to donate and distribute hot meals to those in need at the West Hamilton Beach Firehouse in Howard Beach. Senator Joseph Addabbo, who represents Howard Beach, helped identify a neighborhood in his district with an ongoing need for hot meals. Volunteers were greeted by members of Senator John L. Sampson's Office, that helped arrange the event.

(New York, NY)- State Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) today expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT."As the parent of two small children, my heart breaks for the victims and families of today's senseless school shooting in Newtown. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families, and all those affected by this tragedy during this time of profound sadness," said Serrano."Like all of you, I am heartbroken by these devastating events. Enough is enough. We need to move past the rhetoric and finally enact real gun control laws that will hopefully prevent tragedies like the one we saw today."

Senator Serrano toured the new facility for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) Center for HIV Prevention at 446 West 33rd Street. The facility offers a 165,000 Sq. ft. open environment providing easy access to a spacious dining room, full-service pharmacy, community living room, and houses all staff and client service programs. In addition to moving to a larger facility, GMHC implemented new programs such as vocational classes for youth and nutritional consultations.

Senator Serrano joined community groups and local youth today for the March for Peace, a community anti-violence peace march, organized by Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito's El Barrio/East Harlem Youth Violence Task Force. The purpose of the march is to end violence in East Harlem, promoting the slogan of, “Put the Guns Down, Throw the Peace Signs Up.”"Today we are united in fighting for the safety and quality of life of our community,” said Senator Serrano. "I am proud that we are all coming together to fight against the violence that has been destroying lives for way too long in this community, and we must continue to combat violence in all forms. This march is an empowering step closer to ending the war against gun violence and senseless crime in our community."

Senator Serrano joined The East Harlem Holiday Tree Committee, East Harlem community residents, and his colleagues for the 9th Annual El Barrio/East Harlem Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree lighting took place at Franklin Plaza on the northeast corner of Third Avenue and 106th street, and was themed “Somos Uno”/”We are One.”

Senator Serrano today celebrated the groundbreaking of the new facility, Raymond W. Kelly ’63 Student Commons, in Manhattan College. Designated for opening in 2014, the 70,000 square-foot facility will offer space for dining, community events, wellness and fitness programs, while integrating student life and academics. In addition, the $48 million project will provide Manhattan College with its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building.

Senator Serrano along with parents, children, and other community leaders spoke out in a press conference against the proposed closure of St. Jerome School in the South Bronx. The parochial school has been educating generations of students, many from new immigrant families, for over 140 years.

Senator Serrano joined Community Voices Heard (CVH) in a walking-tour of George Washington Carver Houses. CVH is an organization of low-income people working together throughout New York City and State to improve the lives of families and communities. Following the walking tour, Serrano engaged in a Q&A with tenants of the Washington Carver Housing Development and CVH. CVH's agenda includes advocacy in the issues of public education, grassroots organizing, leadership development, training low-income people about their rights, political education, civic engagement, and direct-action issue campaigns.

December 10, 2012Dear Dr. McNiff,I am writing to you as the State Senator of the 28th Senate District, representing the South and West Bronx, to express my serious concerns with your decision to proceed with the closure of St. Jerome School. In addition to my role as an elected official, I am a lifelong resident of the Bronx, and I know firsthand the important role that St. Jerome plays in this community and I urge you to reconsider.

Senator Serrano participated in the annual reading of Handel’s Messiah at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx. This event, which draws large crowds from all around New York City, has become a holiday tradition in the Bronx. Music was performed by the Bronx Opera Chorus and conducted by Michael Spierman.“It brings me great joy to have been selected as an orator, once again, for the reading of Handel’s Messiah,” said Senator Serrano. “The perception of the Bronx as not being rich in the arts and culture is quickly changing. The Bronx Opera has been on the forefront in showcasing all the wonderful talent this borough has to offer. I look forward to participating in future readings of Handel’s Messiah.”

Senator Serrano joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Díaz, Jr. for his annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Bronx County Courthouse. The tree lighting included Christmas Carols sung by the chorus of Middle School 390.“The Holiday Season is really my favorite time of year,” said Senator Serrano. “It is wonderful to see the community come together in harmony for this tree lighting ceremony. The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy reminds us all of the importance of family and friends. Many thanks to Borough President Ruben Diaz for putting together a wonderful ceremony.”